[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A REAL TASTE OF TEXAS

                                  _____
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2014

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, every morning for the past fifteen 
years, Southeast Texans have turned on their radios to AM 700 on their 
morning drive and heard my good friend, Edd Hendee. On his show, Edd 
talks about everything from hot political topics to the Texans. It's 
hard to believe that his time on Houston radio will soon come to an 
end. Edd will be missed on the airwaves, but I have no doubt that he 
will continue to impact Houston.
  Edd is a fourth generation Texan, skilled entrepreneur, brilliant 
business owner, patriot and Texan to the bone. Edd Hendee and his wife, 
Nina, operate the best steak restaurant in Texas, the Taste of Texas. 
The Hendees opened the doors of the Taste of Texas in 1977. Today, over 
three decades later, the Taste of Texas is a Houston landmark. The 
restaurant is known not only for its outstanding, high quality food but 
also its first rate service and superb wait staff of mostly young 
Texans.
  The Hendees are remarkable business owners who know that a hard 
working staff is key in the hospitality business. Since the restaurant 
first opened, the Hendees have employed more than 10,000 people--young 
adults--at their restaurant. Over the years, the Hendees have learned 
some valuable lessons on management and mentoring. They don't just 
treat their staff like employees; they treat them like family. But, 
then again, Edd and Nina are not your average employers. They treat 
their employees well but require that their employees live their lives 
to certain standards: be polite, be punctual, study and prepare for 
school, work hard and stay away from drugs. Edd and Nina serve as 
mentors for their employees, requiring them to make certain grades and 
helping them stay on track in school. They also hold their employees 
accountable, drug testing them regularly. The Hendees not only teach 
their employees how to work in a professional setting, but they also 
teach them how to succeed in life through hard work and dedication. It 
is certainly remarkable and rare for employers to care that much about 
their excellent employees. The Hendees go above and beyond for their 
extended family.
  I always enjoy the opportunity to visit with the Hendees at The Taste 
of Texas. In the kitchen, one can see where the magic happens. They 
have an impeccable, efficient operation that is built upon the finest 
quality beef, an abundant salad bar and friendly Texas service. It's 
name--the Taste of Texas--is well-suited because it really showcases 
Texas' finest.
  As a Texas history lover, perhaps my favorite part about the Taste of 
Texas is its extensive collection of historical Texana documents and 
artifacts. Over the years, the Hendees have given almost daily tours to 
hundreds of thousands of young Texans, including many school children. 
Nina, a Texas Historian, also gives Texas history lessons almost every 
Saturday to different groups. Of course, it is a requirement for my 
staff to go hear one of Nina's Texas talks. A visit to the Taste of 
Texas is simply a journey through the long, glorious history of Texas 
highlighting Texas' 9 years as an Independent Nation. (Some say we are 
still an independent country).
  I have always appreciated Edd's perspective and radio commentary 
because as a business owner, he has seen it all. In his fifteen years 
on the radio, he has spent each morning advocating for issues that are 
important to Texans. Like me, he often pontificates on issues, such as 
the Second Amendment, individual liberty, a secure border and a limited 
federal government. As an entrepreneur, he is a strong advocate for 
lower taxes and a smaller, more accountable government because he has 
seen firsthand how the government can stand in the way of business. 
And, as the husband of Nina, Edd's commentary often touches upon Texas 
history and explanations as to why things are the way they are. That's 
why Houston loves listening to Edd in the mornings.
  Edd's voice will be greatly missed on the airwaves, but he and his 
wife's impact on Houston will continue because of their devotion to the 
community, their commitment to their employees and the well-deserved 
success of the Taste of Texas. As proud Texans who want to give back to 
their nation, I am also grateful that Edd and Nina serve on my Service 
Academy Advisory Board, helping to interview and nominate some of 
Houston's best and brightest to attend our nation's military academies. 
These are the people who will defend our nation in the future. I 
congratulate Edd on his fifteen years of on-air success and wish him 
all of the best in his next chapter of Texas History.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________